Veteran race caller Greg Miles set to retire

THE voice of Victorian racing, Greg Miles, has announced his pending retirement after more than the three decades in the business.

Miles, who started as a clerk in personnel at the ABC with a view to becoming a race caller, called his first race in 1979 and his first Melbourne Cup in 1981 at the age of 22. He holds the record for the most Melbourne Cup calls, 36, surpassing the great Joe Brown and Bill Collins, who were both his heroes.

Miles, 57, said he felt privileged to have called Australia's greatest races for more than three decades and now was the right time to retire, admitting race callers had a "shelf life”.

"I have always wanted to conclude my calling career on my terms and I will depart the caller's box next June satisfied with my performance throughout this year's Spring Racing Carnival,” he said.

"I have enjoyed longevity in my role due to the wonderful support afforded by my family and so many great people in racing and I want to collectively acknowledge those people whom I will thank personally.”

Racing Victoria chief executive Bernard Saundry thanked Miles for his contribution to racing in Victoria.

"As a racing fan at heart I have been blessed to grow up listening to Greg call our greatest races. He has transcended generations and will leave hefty shoes to fill when he officially retires,” he said.

Contracted until June next year, Miles will be part of the selection panel formed to choose his successor.

He said if Racing Victoria could find a replacement for him earlier, he would step aside before June.